How Many Times Has Criss Angel Been Married? All About His Wife & Kids!

On October 10, 2025, Criss Angel shared a poignant Instagram video showing an empty swingset gently swaying in a backyard, set to Ozzy Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne’s 2003 hit, Changes. Accompanying the clip, the 57-year-old magician opened up about a deeply personal struggle, writing, “To my fans and friends, I’m sure by now you recognized that I’m going through something personal.”

Angel went on to accuse an unnamed individual of causing damage, stating, “Today I stopped following a narcissist – somebody who destroyed a beautiful family in pursuit of another man.” He urged his followers to distance themselves from the person who, according to him, had “damaged the lives of beautiful children and everyone around them.”

Although Angel did not explicitly name anyone, social media quickly linked the post to Shaunyl Benson, his ex-wife and mother of his three children. The couple secretly married in 2015 after three years of dating but divorced a year later in 2016. They reconciled soon after and expanded their family with two sons, Johnny, 11, and Xristos Yanni, 6, and a daughter, Illusia, 3. In 2023, Criss Angel proposed to Benson once again, but their relationship status became uncertain amid the recent fallout.

Before Shaunyl, Criss Angel was married to Joann Sarantakos (also known as JoAnn Winkhart) from 2002 to 2006, with no children from that marriage.

Shortly after Angel’s post, Shaunyl Benson responded publicly, sharing her side in an Instagram video. While hesitant to discuss her personal life, she addressed accusations against her and highlighted the challenges she faced, saying she discovered “around 16 to 17 instances of infidelity” from Angel’s side. She revealed that she learned of disturbing interactions involving her partner while she was breastfeeding their daughter four years ago.

Benson explained she tried to maintain the family for the children’s sake, consulting with a lawyer to find a way out. Despite this, they attempted to make the relationship work for over six months. Due to ongoing toxicity, she admitted to messaging another man — a rockstar — for companionship, emphasizing it was the first time in 12 years she sought connection outside the relationship. She clarified that the conversation never developed into anything further.

Responding directly to Angel’s claims, Shaunyl said, “A narcissist is the one that’s trying to control the narrative. They’re gonna tell you to do this. They’re gonna tell you to unfollow or block someone because they want you to see the situation a certain way.” She encouraged her followers to interpret the situation as they wish, refusing to control anyone’s perception.

Taking a pointed jab, Benson stated that she lived “a luxurious lifestyle as long as she was compliant and kept quiet,” but after finding her voice, she faced jeopardy. She described the ongoing drama as “so embarrassing” for her and her children.

This public exchange highlights a deeply personal and tumultuous chapter in the lives of Criss Angel and Shaunyl Benson, with fans and followers left to navigate the complex narrative unfolding online.